5 Absolute Best Things to Do in Oman – Paradise Amidst the Desert

While most travel aficionados might not think of Oman as a great vacation destination, it is, in fact, full of exciting attractions to see and experience. If you're still not convinced, just take a look at some of the most exciting things you can do in the country.

1

Visit the Wadi Shab

When you travel through the famous Oman route, one of the most fascinating sites you'll come across is the Wadi Shab. This is a picturesque gorge you can walk along, and in the end, you'll find emerald pools of crystal-clear water – it is truly a sight to behold. As it is only a 1.5-hour drive from the capital of Muscat, you should definitely make time to visit this wondrous slice of natural beauty.

2

Camp in the Desert

A massive portion of Oman's land actually belongs to the Great Oman Desert. This wilderness of heat and sand covers an area of over 64,000 square kilometres, and it's the perfect destination for an overnight camping trip. There're several camps dotted around the edge of the desert. All you have to is pick one, pack enough water, and drive to it. Nights spend in the desert can be truly mesmerizing; the air is pleasantly cool, the sounds of desert critters scuttling about can be heard in the distance and the night sky is alive with constellations.

3

Visit the Great Mosque

Opened in 2001, Sultan Qaboos Mosque is Oman's most spiritually important site and is visited by thousands of devout pilgrims from around the world all year round. This scintillating work of architecture is worth visiting even if you are not a Muslim as the intricate designs on display are something to behold. It is definitely one of the best activities in Oman and one you shouldn't miss out on. As the mosque is situated right in the capital city, it's only a short walk away from most major Oman hotels. Do keep in mind that you'll only be able to enter the mosque if you're wearing clothes that cover your sleeves and knees – this goes for both men and women.

4

Hike Up the Mountains

If you prefer a bit of quiet seclusion and some alone time with nature, a hike up the Jabal Akhdar Mountains would be perfect for you. These mountains are some of the least populated areas in all of Oman, and it can be quite serene to simply drive to this wilderness and slowly hike you way up to the peaks. If you're into rock climbing, some of the cliff faces presented out here will surely get your blood pumping. Do be wary of the weather though as temperatures can drop close to freezing during the winter months.

5

Dive into a Sinkhole

The Bimmah Sinkhole is a massive pool that lies right next to the main highway near Wadi Shab. Many stories speak of the pool's mysterious origins with one even stating that it was created by a crashing meteor many millions of years ago. Whatever the case may be, the sinkhole is an excellent way to escape the heat of the midday sun – just get in a pair of shorts and dive right in!